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Winchester, Tennessee #5
Witness Protection Widow
Don’t miss the high-stakes police procedural thriller from USA TODAY bestselling author Debra Webb.
Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?
After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
Discover more spine-tingling suspense in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series:
In Self Defense
The Dark Woods
The Stranger Next Door
The Safest Lies
Witness Protection Widow
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?
After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
Discover more spine-tingling suspense in the Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series:
In Self Defense
The Dark Woods
The Stranger Next Door
The Safest Lies
Witness Protection Widow
From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
256 pages, ebook
First published January 21, 2020
About the author
Debra Webb
453 books1,900 followersDEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 170 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
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February 19, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
WITNESS PROTECTION WIDOW (Winchester, Tennessee Book #5) by Debra Webb is the February 2020 Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense second chance romance and since it is written by Debra Webb, I knew I would be getting a great story even in this shorter format. I was NOT disappointed. Though this book is part of the Winchester, Tennessee series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Allison James Armone has been trapped for several years in an abusive marriage to the son of the head of the Armone crime family. She has been planning and waiting for her chance to escape. At the weekly meeting between father and son, Allison witnesses the father shoot the son and kill him.
She makes her escape and becomes the star witness in the case against her father-in-law. When the US Marshall guarding Allison (aka Alice Stewart) is involved in an accident, he calls on one of his best friends in the Marshalls to fill in. It is only a few days until the trial and Ali’s life is at stake.
US Marshall Jaxon Stevens cannot believe his assignment is his young foolish mistake in love. Can Jaxon convince Ali he wants and deserves a second chance even as he works to keep her alive to testify?
Ali is a great heroine. After everything she has been through, she refuses to back down and wants to testify no matter the danger to herself. She made a mistake that cost her, but she has come out on the other side and is strong and determined. I also liked that her main concern is for Jaxon’s safety and not her own. Jaxon is a strong alpha protective hero, but he also must come around to understand how Ali got caught up in her marriage and to understand his own feelings about wanting her back even though he left her before for his career. There are a lot of emotions and misunderstandings to get through in this book even as physical danger is just around the corner. My only concern is Ms. Webb never revealed who changed their travel plans and set them on the run from the bad guys. Other than that, this is a fast-paced story that intertwines the suspense and the romance perfectly.
I love sitting down with a Harlequin Intrigue and an author I enjoy because I know I can be entertained with a romantic suspense that engrosses me in the story and is a quicker read than a full-sized novel. I recommend this second chance romantic suspense.
WITNESS PROTECTION WIDOW (Winchester, Tennessee Book #5) by Debra Webb is the February 2020 Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense second chance romance and since it is written by Debra Webb, I knew I would be getting a great story even in this shorter format. I was NOT disappointed. Though this book is part of the Winchester, Tennessee series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Allison James Armone has been trapped for several years in an abusive marriage to the son of the head of the Armone crime family. She has been planning and waiting for her chance to escape. At the weekly meeting between father and son, Allison witnesses the father shoot the son and kill him.
She makes her escape and becomes the star witness in the case against her father-in-law. When the US Marshall guarding Allison (aka Alice Stewart) is involved in an accident, he calls on one of his best friends in the Marshalls to fill in. It is only a few days until the trial and Ali’s life is at stake.
US Marshall Jaxon Stevens cannot believe his assignment is his young foolish mistake in love. Can Jaxon convince Ali he wants and deserves a second chance even as he works to keep her alive to testify?
Ali is a great heroine. After everything she has been through, she refuses to back down and wants to testify no matter the danger to herself. She made a mistake that cost her, but she has come out on the other side and is strong and determined. I also liked that her main concern is for Jaxon’s safety and not her own. Jaxon is a strong alpha protective hero, but he also must come around to understand how Ali got caught up in her marriage and to understand his own feelings about wanting her back even though he left her before for his career. There are a lot of emotions and misunderstandings to get through in this book even as physical danger is just around the corner. My only concern is Ms. Webb never revealed who changed their travel plans and set them on the run from the bad guys. Other than that, this is a fast-paced story that intertwines the suspense and the romance perfectly.
I love sitting down with a Harlequin Intrigue and an author I enjoy because I know I can be entertained with a romantic suspense that engrosses me in the story and is a quicker read than a full-sized novel. I recommend this second chance romantic suspense.
February 8, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
It was hard to believe now that she hadn’t recognized her fairy-tale life was too good to be true. The trouble was, she had needed it to be true. Sometimes a need was so powerful that it overrode good sense.
She’d expected to possibly end up in a funeral home before this was over. She just hadn’t expected to be alive.
My Review:
Despite her prolific body of work, I had not sampled Debra Webb’s storytelling skills until recently stumbling into several books in her highly engaging series of The Undertaker’s Daughter, and I was an instant fan. Lucky me, this installment had an all too brief drop-in visit with my beloved characters from the previously mentioned series, which brought a delighted smile to my face. Ignore the cheesy cover and unimaginative book title as this was a quick, intriguing, active, satisfying, and well-paced hybrid tale of romantic suspense and second chance romance for first loves with likable and admirable characters, a hauntingly realistic storyline, and a pervasive sense of tension and peril.
It was hard to believe now that she hadn’t recognized her fairy-tale life was too good to be true. The trouble was, she had needed it to be true. Sometimes a need was so powerful that it overrode good sense.
She’d expected to possibly end up in a funeral home before this was over. She just hadn’t expected to be alive.
My Review:
Despite her prolific body of work, I had not sampled Debra Webb’s storytelling skills until recently stumbling into several books in her highly engaging series of The Undertaker’s Daughter, and I was an instant fan. Lucky me, this installment had an all too brief drop-in visit with my beloved characters from the previously mentioned series, which brought a delighted smile to my face. Ignore the cheesy cover and unimaginative book title as this was a quick, intriguing, active, satisfying, and well-paced hybrid tale of romantic suspense and second chance romance for first loves with likable and admirable characters, a hauntingly realistic storyline, and a pervasive sense of tension and peril.
February 19, 2020
First off, you should know that this is NOT a stand-alone. But, also of note; this is the first I read in this series and I fell right into the story. The author did an amazing job of catching the reader up on what’s happened. And it really read like a stand-alone.
This is the first ever book I’ve read of Debra Webb’s and all I can say is…I’m hooked. This book was a quick but intensely satisfying read. It hit all my buttons; romance, suspense, a strong heroine, and and excellent cast of characters.
This book is actually inspiring me to check out more of Harlequin’s Intrigue series; it was very nicely done.
I can’t wait to see what else Debra Webb has to offer!
This is the first ever book I’ve read of Debra Webb’s and all I can say is…I’m hooked. This book was a quick but intensely satisfying read. It hit all my buttons; romance, suspense, a strong heroine, and and excellent cast of characters.
This book is actually inspiring me to check out more of Harlequin’s Intrigue series; it was very nicely done.
I can’t wait to see what else Debra Webb has to offer!
February 15, 2020
Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb is the fifth A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller. Alison James will testify in four days against the Armone crime family if she can stay alive until then. U.S. Marshall Branch Holloway has Alison stashed in a remote cabin and is supposed to be with her for the final few days. But then Branch is injured in a car accident and calls in U.S. Marshall Jaxson Stevens. Jaxson does not know it is Ali until Branch hands him the file. She is the one he let get away and is baffled why she married into a mob family. Alison is leery of letting Jaxson be her protector because she does not want him harmed. She knows that Harrison Armone Sr. will do what it takes to see her dead before she can testify. Can Jaxon keep Alison alive to testify in four days? Witness Protection Widow is a fast paced novel. There is suspense, intrigue and romantic tension. This book can be read on its own if you have not read any of the other novels in A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series. Characters from the other books do make an appearance for those who have read the other four novels. The point-of-view switches between Jaxson and Allison. I like getting both perspectives. We get to see how each person feels about a situation and how easily a comment can be misinterpreted. I like the fast pace of the story as Alison and Jaxson try to stay alive. I like Debra Webb’s engaging writing style. She provides just the right amount of imagery (not too much nor too little). There was the right blend of suspense and romance. My one complaint is that there were a couple of unanswered questions at the end. I wish there had been an epilogue to completely wrap up Witness Protection Widow. Be prepared to lose a couple of hours while you are busy reading Witness Protection Widow. Witness Protection Widow has hired hit men, a masculine U.S. Marshall, a malicious mob boss, a worried widow, and four frantic days.
March 23, 2020
Alison James thought she had a dream marriage until the dream became a horrific nightmare she couldn’t wait to escape from. She hadn’t realised her husband was a key member of a powerful crime family but when she did her fairytale life was over. It was only after witnessing her father in law assassinating her husband that she managed to escape with evidence to help bring him to justice. The only problem now is staying alive to testify. She certainly didn’t anticipate her first love, Jayson Stevens, being the US Marshall in charge of protecting her . . . . nor did either of them expect their love to be rekindled! However, there’s betrayal and peril ahead before justice can prevail and their second chance romance has any opportunity for a HEA.
This is an action packed story with great characters – including one that’s canine! There are secrets to be revealed as the drama unfolds. It is a page turner that I enjoyed reading but confess that I really wanted to know the verdict of the court case and felt irritated by it not being revealed – but that’s probably just me wanting all the loose ends tidying up neatly but it does mean I want to read the next book in this series ASAP!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This is an action packed story with great characters – including one that’s canine! There are secrets to be revealed as the drama unfolds. It is a page turner that I enjoyed reading but confess that I really wanted to know the verdict of the court case and felt irritated by it not being revealed – but that’s probably just me wanting all the loose ends tidying up neatly but it does mean I want to read the next book in this series ASAP!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
February 16, 2020
An absolutely fun book that I read when I was not well, and believe me, it pulled me deep into the story in spite of my headache.
Debra Webb is an amazing author, and the storyline, though familiar, still captivated me. A woman Allison hiding in witness protection, waiting for her testimony against her own father-in-law, was being protected by her first love Jaxson. Her hiding place was compromised, and they had to escape. On the run, sparks flew while being surrounded by an air of danger.
The atmosphere was fast moving, where the characters had to keep their wits about. Alison was intelligent and kind. I loved that the author made her strong, bold, and clear headed. Strength is seeking help when you are in over your head. That was the way Ali was. She knew she needed help and she rolled with it, even when her heart melted around Jaxson and she didn't want him to get hurt.
The conversation held a nostalgia of the past and a hope for future. The writing kept me on the go, rooting for this couple. Past was unfurled in sections along with the present. The villains were ever present at every corner, and the author gave the story the right amount of danger.
Jaxson was a great agent and an absolute sweetheart. He kept my mind diverted from real life. Swift paced, the story could be read in a couple of hours. It was loads of fun. Serious moments interspersed with zingy ones. I loved it. Well recommended, especially in ill health.
Debra Webb is an amazing author, and the storyline, though familiar, still captivated me. A woman Allison hiding in witness protection, waiting for her testimony against her own father-in-law, was being protected by her first love Jaxson. Her hiding place was compromised, and they had to escape. On the run, sparks flew while being surrounded by an air of danger.
The atmosphere was fast moving, where the characters had to keep their wits about. Alison was intelligent and kind. I loved that the author made her strong, bold, and clear headed. Strength is seeking help when you are in over your head. That was the way Ali was. She knew she needed help and she rolled with it, even when her heart melted around Jaxson and she didn't want him to get hurt.
The conversation held a nostalgia of the past and a hope for future. The writing kept me on the go, rooting for this couple. Past was unfurled in sections along with the present. The villains were ever present at every corner, and the author gave the story the right amount of danger.
Jaxson was a great agent and an absolute sweetheart. He kept my mind diverted from real life. Swift paced, the story could be read in a couple of hours. It was loads of fun. Serious moments interspersed with zingy ones. I loved it. Well recommended, especially in ill health.
February 14, 2020
I received this novel as a part of the Harlequin’s Carina Press Blog Tour Program. Thank you to Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue, Carina Press & NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review..
This was my first and only Debra Webb that I’ve read. I don’t think it will be my last! Witness Protection Widow was the fifth installment of the Winchester, Tennessee series, but I had no problems following along.
I really enjoyed Allison (Ali) James. Her character was so interesting and really had me intrigued of where this story would end up because of her. I’ve never read a book about someone in the witness protection program so this type of story was new to me. It did not disappoint!
I loved the romance aspect. I think that making Jax, Ali’s ex-fiancee, her marshal was something that a lot of people would swoon over. There’s a few tropes that you could fit in there, enemies-to-lovers, men in uniform…Debra Webb did a great job with that.
There was a lot of detail and interest in her testimony and that’s what helps you get to the end of this book. I felt like the ending came so quick where I couldn’t even enjoy the build-up that I experienced throughout the entire book. Making the ending a little more detailed or even a little bit longer would’ve made this story for me.
Overall, I think that this was definitely a storyline that I could get into. I will definitely give more of Debra Webb a chance if all of her books are as intriguing and detailed as this one was. After reading Witness Protection Widow, I am definitely interested in the other books in this series!
This was my first and only Debra Webb that I’ve read. I don’t think it will be my last! Witness Protection Widow was the fifth installment of the Winchester, Tennessee series, but I had no problems following along.
I really enjoyed Allison (Ali) James. Her character was so interesting and really had me intrigued of where this story would end up because of her. I’ve never read a book about someone in the witness protection program so this type of story was new to me. It did not disappoint!
I loved the romance aspect. I think that making Jax, Ali’s ex-fiancee, her marshal was something that a lot of people would swoon over. There’s a few tropes that you could fit in there, enemies-to-lovers, men in uniform…Debra Webb did a great job with that.
There was a lot of detail and interest in her testimony and that’s what helps you get to the end of this book. I felt like the ending came so quick where I couldn’t even enjoy the build-up that I experienced throughout the entire book. Making the ending a little more detailed or even a little bit longer would’ve made this story for me.
Overall, I think that this was definitely a storyline that I could get into. I will definitely give more of Debra Webb a chance if all of her books are as intriguing and detailed as this one was. After reading Witness Protection Widow, I am definitely interested in the other books in this series!
February 16, 2020
Witness Protection Widow is the 5th book in the Winchester, Tennessee series under the Harlequin Intrigue imprint. It works ver well as a stand alone book. A couple of familiar faces from the Undertaker's Daughter series by this author make a brief appearance, but you don't have to have read that series to follow along.
This is a quick romantic suspense and I read it in one sitting. It involves Alison who has been in witness protection for the past 9 months while she waits to testify against her mobster father in law. The story picks up four days before the trial and her handler is injured in a car accident. Enter Jaxson, a US Marshall who happens to be her first love from ten years before. I ended up flying through the book. The author did a great job of building tension and the feeling of danger that Ali was in. Ali's story of her time with her deceased husband was horrific. This is a fairly clean romance with fade to black love scenes. I definitely recommend this one.
This is a quick romantic suspense and I read it in one sitting. It involves Alison who has been in witness protection for the past 9 months while she waits to testify against her mobster father in law. The story picks up four days before the trial and her handler is injured in a car accident. Enter Jaxson, a US Marshall who happens to be her first love from ten years before. I ended up flying through the book. The author did a great job of building tension and the feeling of danger that Ali was in. Ali's story of her time with her deceased husband was horrific. This is a fairly clean romance with fade to black love scenes. I definitely recommend this one.
February 1, 2020
I love a good police procedural novel, one that leaves you wanting to read more and keeps you hooked the entire way through. This one does just that, with a romantic twist in it as well, which I loved!
Jax and Ali have a romantic past, as he is her ex-boyfriend. Hearts were broken, feelings were hurt, and time has passed.. Ali has since moved on and gotten married, but have those feelings healed? When Jax is placed to protect Ali from her late husband’s crime family they are both struggling with their feelings and emotions over what happened between them. He is sent to protect her, but will he be able to do his job properly when there are so many emotions and a shared past involved?
A great story that will have you flipping pages to see what happens next. If you like police procedural novels you will love this one as well.
Jax and Ali have a romantic past, as he is her ex-boyfriend. Hearts were broken, feelings were hurt, and time has passed.. Ali has since moved on and gotten married, but have those feelings healed? When Jax is placed to protect Ali from her late husband’s crime family they are both struggling with their feelings and emotions over what happened between them. He is sent to protect her, but will he be able to do his job properly when there are so many emotions and a shared past involved?
A great story that will have you flipping pages to see what happens next. If you like police procedural novels you will love this one as well.
January 20, 2020
Love this author's way of bringing to life , strong woman with great endurance, self reflection, strong heart ,mind and soul to all her characters .Allison is a widow of a crime boss and a witness to his murder , what she had to go through would break anyone, now her heart needs protected when her old love is the man in charge of keeping her safe . Great Suspense , strong lead characters , great read!
December 23, 2019
4.5 Stars
Debra Webb never disappoints! This was a truly excellent read!
This is the fifth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series in the Harlequin Intrigue line by Debra Webb.
I have mentioned this before but Harlequin Intrigue is my guilty pleasure series and Debra Webb is the author who sucked me back into Intrigues back in 2000-ish with “Safe By His Side”. I adore a good amnesia, stuck in a cabin story.
This book felt more like a standalone title. All the backstory from the previous four books that was relevant was sprinkled in throughout the text and melded perfectly with the storyline. It was not hard at all to get up to speed on what was happening. Plus, can you say: Awesome Cover! That is a cover buy if I ever saw one.
Allison is a star witness against her husband’s father who is part of a significant crime family in the area. She fell into this mess after her first love Jaxson Stevens decided to leave her to pursue his dream career as a US Marshall. Now she is in Witness Protection and her current police protection has had to go into the hospital. They call in Jaxson to assist for the next four days of protection before the trial.
The back and forth in this was great. I loved getting to see both sides of the story and see how easily somethings can be misinterpreted. I was glued to the page and read this in a day! Loving this new to me series from Intrigue!
If you love a good romantic suspense mystery thriller, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
Debra Webb never disappoints! This was a truly excellent read!
This is the fifth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series in the Harlequin Intrigue line by Debra Webb.
I have mentioned this before but Harlequin Intrigue is my guilty pleasure series and Debra Webb is the author who sucked me back into Intrigues back in 2000-ish with “Safe By His Side”. I adore a good amnesia, stuck in a cabin story.
This book felt more like a standalone title. All the backstory from the previous four books that was relevant was sprinkled in throughout the text and melded perfectly with the storyline. It was not hard at all to get up to speed on what was happening. Plus, can you say: Awesome Cover! That is a cover buy if I ever saw one.
Allison is a star witness against her husband’s father who is part of a significant crime family in the area. She fell into this mess after her first love Jaxson Stevens decided to leave her to pursue his dream career as a US Marshall. Now she is in Witness Protection and her current police protection has had to go into the hospital. They call in Jaxson to assist for the next four days of protection before the trial.
The back and forth in this was great. I loved getting to see both sides of the story and see how easily somethings can be misinterpreted. I was glued to the page and read this in a day! Loving this new to me series from Intrigue!
If you love a good romantic suspense mystery thriller, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
January 28, 2020
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
This is not the first book I have read with a big, bad marshal protecting a witness to try and keep her alive until she can testify. However, as I have already seen by reading a few of Debra Webb's books before, she never lets her readers down. This was a fast-paced story where bad guys were always on the heels of our pair.
We have Allison James, who is willing to die trying in her attempts to testify against her ex-father-in-law. Our second player is US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali's ex-boyfriend. Two things are clearly evident, danger is ever-present, and their feelings are as potent as ever. It has been ten years since they have seen one another. Ali since got married - unbeknownst to her at the time, to a man who was a mobster. Ali has first-hand knowledge that WITSEC is not as safe as she was promised.
Will Ali make it to the trial alive? When all of the danger is over will she and Jax have a second chance at love?
When I picked up this book, the action started to quickly that I never put it down until the last page. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, but this story had no trouble doing well as a standalone. However, Debra Webb is a relatively new name to me, so if there are new books in this series to follow, I will certainly be reading them.
Many thanks to Harlequin and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This is not the first book I have read with a big, bad marshal protecting a witness to try and keep her alive until she can testify. However, as I have already seen by reading a few of Debra Webb's books before, she never lets her readers down. This was a fast-paced story where bad guys were always on the heels of our pair.
We have Allison James, who is willing to die trying in her attempts to testify against her ex-father-in-law. Our second player is US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali's ex-boyfriend. Two things are clearly evident, danger is ever-present, and their feelings are as potent as ever. It has been ten years since they have seen one another. Ali since got married - unbeknownst to her at the time, to a man who was a mobster. Ali has first-hand knowledge that WITSEC is not as safe as she was promised.
Will Ali make it to the trial alive? When all of the danger is over will she and Jax have a second chance at love?
When I picked up this book, the action started to quickly that I never put it down until the last page. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, but this story had no trouble doing well as a standalone. However, Debra Webb is a relatively new name to me, so if there are new books in this series to follow, I will certainly be reading them.
Many thanks to Harlequin and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 2, 2020
I have to say this was my favorite Harlequin Intrigue ever.
Fast paced story with good characters. I read this in about 2 hours...kept me glued!
Fast paced story with good characters. I read this in about 2 hours...kept me glued!
February 16, 2020
Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb
Winchester, Tennessee #5
I really enjoyed this book and when I read a bit in the book that tweaked a memory of a book I had read previously I had to look up other books by this author and found out why “staying in a funeral home” triggered a memory – I had read book two in The Undertaker’s Daughter and Rowan and Brannigan are in that series though they play a much smaller part in this book.
So…this book…is romantic suspense with a second chance at romance for Ali and Jax. They were very close in their early twenties but then something happened, they parted after six months together and were thrown together in this book as he, as a US Marshall, is tasked with keeping Ali alive until she testifies in a big court case. The two had a LOT to deal with not only with trying to stay alive but also dealing with truths and misconceptions from the past. Eventually they did find their HEA but it took some time and effort.
What I liked:
* Ali – strong, determined, survivor that deserved a HEA. I truly admired her.
* Jaxson – a good man but definitely flawed. I had trouble seeing his point of view more than once but after he had all of the facts, he wised up a great deal. He is a good match for Ali
* Bob – what a great dog!
* the supporting characters
* the plot and the writing and the tension
* that it was not over the top
* pretty much all of it except…
What I did not like:
* the Armone men – son and father
* what Ali endured
* the somewhat selfish side of Jax – or was it just immaturity
Did I like this book? Yes
Is it a standalone story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Intrigue for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Winchester, Tennessee #5
I really enjoyed this book and when I read a bit in the book that tweaked a memory of a book I had read previously I had to look up other books by this author and found out why “staying in a funeral home” triggered a memory – I had read book two in The Undertaker’s Daughter and Rowan and Brannigan are in that series though they play a much smaller part in this book.
So…this book…is romantic suspense with a second chance at romance for Ali and Jax. They were very close in their early twenties but then something happened, they parted after six months together and were thrown together in this book as he, as a US Marshall, is tasked with keeping Ali alive until she testifies in a big court case. The two had a LOT to deal with not only with trying to stay alive but also dealing with truths and misconceptions from the past. Eventually they did find their HEA but it took some time and effort.
What I liked:
* Ali – strong, determined, survivor that deserved a HEA. I truly admired her.
* Jaxson – a good man but definitely flawed. I had trouble seeing his point of view more than once but after he had all of the facts, he wised up a great deal. He is a good match for Ali
* Bob – what a great dog!
* the supporting characters
* the plot and the writing and the tension
* that it was not over the top
* pretty much all of it except…
What I did not like:
* the Armone men – son and father
* what Ali endured
* the somewhat selfish side of Jax – or was it just immaturity
Did I like this book? Yes
Is it a standalone story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Intrigue for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
February 4, 2020
In Harlequin Intrigue's Witness Protection Widow Allison James is a week out of the trial where she will testify against her mob boss father-in-law for the murder of her husband. The marshal who has been watching over her has a car accident so he calls in a friend he trusts to watch over her. Enter Jax Stevens, rising U.S. Marshal, and Ali's ex-boyfriend and first love. Fate brings them back together but will they make it to the trial.
This is my first Harlequin Intrigue and my first Debra Webb and I have to say that I was more than happy with the book. Told in both Ali and Jax's POVs, this is a second chance romance wrapped nicely around suspense. With a good balance between the characters reconnecting and the danger to Ali with the upcoming trial, the story moves along at a brisk pace. Ali is a woman who fell for the bad guy hidden in sheep's clothing but who refused to be a victim for long. Jaded by her nightmare 5-year marriage, Ali manages to maintain hope for her future. Jax is the man who let ambition cost him. Leaving Ali behind to move his career along, he allowed what he thought he knew to become his truth, forgoing what he felt.
Ms. Webb's story has great characters set on a stage of mob ties, abuse, recovery and what can come to be when presented with a chance to get it right the second time around.
This is my first Harlequin Intrigue and my first Debra Webb and I have to say that I was more than happy with the book. Told in both Ali and Jax's POVs, this is a second chance romance wrapped nicely around suspense. With a good balance between the characters reconnecting and the danger to Ali with the upcoming trial, the story moves along at a brisk pace. Ali is a woman who fell for the bad guy hidden in sheep's clothing but who refused to be a victim for long. Jaded by her nightmare 5-year marriage, Ali manages to maintain hope for her future. Jax is the man who let ambition cost him. Leaving Ali behind to move his career along, he allowed what he thought he knew to become his truth, forgoing what he felt.
Ms. Webb's story has great characters set on a stage of mob ties, abuse, recovery and what can come to be when presented with a chance to get it right the second time around.
February 5, 2020
What I liked
First of all, I liked the pace of this book. It was fast-paced, which is just what I like in books. I never felt bored and especially I never felt the need to put down the book. I could have read it in one sitting if I wouldn’t have been in a reading slump.
Witness Protection Widow wasn’t a long book. Which means that you get through it pretty fast. Which is great, to be honest. I’ve been reading so many big books these past few months that this was an enjoyable surprise. I liked nearly everything I’ve read and this comes from a person that always thought to never enjoy romance books. But look at me. I did like this book a lot.
Last but not least I loved the writing style of Webb. It was comprehensible, there weren’t long sentences and the descriptions were well done. My reading experience was smooth and I found practically nothing to argue about.
What I didn’t like
The only thing I have to criticize is the fact that at some parts of the story the pace might have been a little bit too fast. Especially more at the end. I thought that it was a bit rushed but that is my personal opinion only.
Overall, if you are a fan of suspense novels and romance Witness Protection Widow is the perfect book for you.
First of all, I liked the pace of this book. It was fast-paced, which is just what I like in books. I never felt bored and especially I never felt the need to put down the book. I could have read it in one sitting if I wouldn’t have been in a reading slump.
Witness Protection Widow wasn’t a long book. Which means that you get through it pretty fast. Which is great, to be honest. I’ve been reading so many big books these past few months that this was an enjoyable surprise. I liked nearly everything I’ve read and this comes from a person that always thought to never enjoy romance books. But look at me. I did like this book a lot.
Last but not least I loved the writing style of Webb. It was comprehensible, there weren’t long sentences and the descriptions were well done. My reading experience was smooth and I found practically nothing to argue about.
What I didn’t like
The only thing I have to criticize is the fact that at some parts of the story the pace might have been a little bit too fast. Especially more at the end. I thought that it was a bit rushed but that is my personal opinion only.
Overall, if you are a fan of suspense novels and romance Witness Protection Widow is the perfect book for you.
February 3, 2020
Happy February! Today is my tour stop for Witness Protection Widow, by Debra Webb. I was given a copy of this Harlequin Intrigue book in exchange for my honest review. This book was released on January 21, 2020.
Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?
After Allison James escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband's powerful crime family. Now it's up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali's ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
This was apparently the fifth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series, but it was the first book for me both for the series and the author. That being said, I didn't feel like I missed anything from the first books. This very much felt like a stand-alone book. This book was fast paced and full of action. Ali may be a victim, but she's not going to go down without a fight. The book is half romance, half police procedural, which I could definitely appreciate having not spent my life reading many romance books. The action was real. The chemistry between Jax and Ali was real. All elements of the story came together in such a beautiful way.
I do wish this book had been a little bit longer, with a little more detail about the actual case...but I understand that's not what these books are meant to do. Overall, it was a quick read and a cute story.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?
After Allison James escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband's powerful crime family. Now it's up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali's ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
This was apparently the fifth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series, but it was the first book for me both for the series and the author. That being said, I didn't feel like I missed anything from the first books. This very much felt like a stand-alone book. This book was fast paced and full of action. Ali may be a victim, but she's not going to go down without a fight. The book is half romance, half police procedural, which I could definitely appreciate having not spent my life reading many romance books. The action was real. The chemistry between Jax and Ali was real. All elements of the story came together in such a beautiful way.
I do wish this book had been a little bit longer, with a little more detail about the actual case...but I understand that's not what these books are meant to do. Overall, it was a quick read and a cute story.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 5, 2020
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This was my first title from the Harlequin Intrigue line as well as from Debra Webb and I was not disappointed. This story was a non stop from the beginning to the end and filled with action. While I'm not a huge fan of a lot of misunderstandings, it was understandable between these characters considering their past. I really enjoyed the way they were written as well as their points of view while going through the story.
Webb's writing was easy to read and really enjoyable, I just loved the fast pace of the story and flew through this story. I will definitely be looking forward to future in this line and from Debra Webb herself as I really enjoyed her writing!
This was my first title from the Harlequin Intrigue line as well as from Debra Webb and I was not disappointed. This story was a non stop from the beginning to the end and filled with action. While I'm not a huge fan of a lot of misunderstandings, it was understandable between these characters considering their past. I really enjoyed the way they were written as well as their points of view while going through the story.
Webb's writing was easy to read and really enjoyable, I just loved the fast pace of the story and flew through this story. I will definitely be looking forward to future in this line and from Debra Webb herself as I really enjoyed her writing!
February 24, 2020
Allison James is in serious trouble. Her abusive husband is dead, but his mobster family is still controlling her. She plans to see that come to an end when she testifies against them. However, to get to that point, she must be protected at all costs. She enters the witness protection program and is shocked when her old flame, Jaxson Stevens is the US Marshal assigned to her case.
Their old feelings resurface, but there’s no way Allison was going to let Jaxson get caught up in her mess. She doesn’t care that it’s his job to protect her, she is determined to protect him against her evil in-laws.
For Jaxson, his old feelings for Allison are still very much alive, but he can’t help wondering how she could marry into a crime family. He never stopped loving her and he vows to make sure she survives her testimony.
The sparks fly right off the pages in this one. Allison and Jaxson have many demons in their past. They try and put it all behind them, but it's not easy.
It’s been awhile since I read a Harlequin Intrigue, but this was a great way to get back into the line. Debra Webb did a great job of bringing romantic suspense alive. Witness Protection Widow is #5 in her Winchester, Tennessee series. It's the first and only book I’ve read in this series. I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything. The book mainly features Allison and Jaxson. There are no cliff hangers and the storyline is all wrapped up by the end of this book.
The story is fast-paced and felt like a roller coaster ride. My heart was in my mouth as they tried to get away from the bad guys. It was hard to know who was trustworthy and who wasn’t.
This book is filled with romance, suspense and a little mystery. I’m definitely going to be checking out this author’s backlist.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Their old feelings resurface, but there’s no way Allison was going to let Jaxson get caught up in her mess. She doesn’t care that it’s his job to protect her, she is determined to protect him against her evil in-laws.
For Jaxson, his old feelings for Allison are still very much alive, but he can’t help wondering how she could marry into a crime family. He never stopped loving her and he vows to make sure she survives her testimony.
The sparks fly right off the pages in this one. Allison and Jaxson have many demons in their past. They try and put it all behind them, but it's not easy.
It’s been awhile since I read a Harlequin Intrigue, but this was a great way to get back into the line. Debra Webb did a great job of bringing romantic suspense alive. Witness Protection Widow is #5 in her Winchester, Tennessee series. It's the first and only book I’ve read in this series. I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything. The book mainly features Allison and Jaxson. There are no cliff hangers and the storyline is all wrapped up by the end of this book.
The story is fast-paced and felt like a roller coaster ride. My heart was in my mouth as they tried to get away from the bad guys. It was hard to know who was trustworthy and who wasn’t.
This book is filled with romance, suspense and a little mystery. I’m definitely going to be checking out this author’s backlist.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Debra Webb and my first Harlequin Intrigue book!! I really enjoyed it! It is an easy to read, fast paced story that I devoured in one sitting!!!
Witness Protection Widow is book 5 in the Winchester, Tennessee. However, it can be read as a standalone. Whilst characters from previous books do show up throughout, they have adequate introductions so you aren’t left confused!
The book is told through alternating POV. Allison James has unwittingly married into the mob. Through some awful events she ends up in witness protection. The Marshall that is assigned to her is injured. Of course his replacement is Allison’s first love Jaxson Stevens. Jax ia a successful US Marshall and it is now his job to make sure Ali, the ‘one who got away’, gets to the courtroom on time.
While the book is cliché, its still a fun read! It was great to get both points of view and to see how easy it is for misunderstandings to happen and how quickly life changes.
Webb has done a fantastic job of keeping the suspense and intrigue alive throughout the book but still provides some sweet, and one steamy, moments between Ali and Jax.
Overall, if you are a fan of suspense novels and romance Witness Protection Widow is the perfect book for you.
Witness Protection Widow is book 5 in the Winchester, Tennessee. However, it can be read as a standalone. Whilst characters from previous books do show up throughout, they have adequate introductions so you aren’t left confused!
The book is told through alternating POV. Allison James has unwittingly married into the mob. Through some awful events she ends up in witness protection. The Marshall that is assigned to her is injured. Of course his replacement is Allison’s first love Jaxson Stevens. Jax ia a successful US Marshall and it is now his job to make sure Ali, the ‘one who got away’, gets to the courtroom on time.
While the book is cliché, its still a fun read! It was great to get both points of view and to see how easy it is for misunderstandings to happen and how quickly life changes.
Webb has done a fantastic job of keeping the suspense and intrigue alive throughout the book but still provides some sweet, and one steamy, moments between Ali and Jax.
Overall, if you are a fan of suspense novels and romance Witness Protection Widow is the perfect book for you.
January 7, 2020
Thank you Debra Webb for the ARC of Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb that I read and reviewed on my own.
I really enjoyed this book which is part of Webb’s Winchester, Tennessee series so a number of familiar faces pop up to help and that adds to the story and to the book. As for the main characters Ali and Jax they both had history that had to be resolved while he was protecting her before she was going to testify against her ex father-in-law who killed her husband in cold blood over who was going to be head of a crime family. Needless to say her marriage was not a pretty one and Jax, a former boyfriend, went in with all kinds of ideas about her.
This is another great read by Webb that I could not put down. Jax and Ali had some communication issues they had to work through but they both wanted to keep the other safe.
Witness Protection Widow gets five out of five stars.
I really enjoyed this book which is part of Webb’s Winchester, Tennessee series so a number of familiar faces pop up to help and that adds to the story and to the book. As for the main characters Ali and Jax they both had history that had to be resolved while he was protecting her before she was going to testify against her ex father-in-law who killed her husband in cold blood over who was going to be head of a crime family. Needless to say her marriage was not a pretty one and Jax, a former boyfriend, went in with all kinds of ideas about her.
This is another great read by Webb that I could not put down. Jax and Ali had some communication issues they had to work through but they both wanted to keep the other safe.
Witness Protection Widow gets five out of five stars.
January 7, 2020
Allison James was married to a mob boss for 5 years, 3 of which she was his prisoner. When she saw her father in law murder his own son in front of her, she chose to escape. It took a while to get away but, once she made it to the FBI and was put in WITSEC, she felt a bit safer, for 6 months. Then she was moved. Now her US Marshall has been injured in a Car Accident and, she is sent another protector. Unfortunately, that U.S. Marshall is Jaxson Stevens, her ex boyfriend.
Jax has never stopped loving Ali but, his heart was crushed when he found out she married a year after he left. Even though he had kept up with what she was doing, he never let her know. Now, he's determined that NO ONE is going to hurt Ali again = No Matter What!
Can these two severely bruised hearts manage to heal and, survive?
Jax has never stopped loving Ali but, his heart was crushed when he found out she married a year after he left. Even though he had kept up with what she was doing, he never let her know. Now, he's determined that NO ONE is going to hurt Ali again = No Matter What!
Can these two severely bruised hearts manage to heal and, survive?
January 20, 2020
Alison went through Hell as the wife of a crime boss. Her heart is damaged and she survived horrors we can only imaging. Her first love is assigned to protect her until she can testify. He is angry and she is damaged. Their attraction is still strong. Can he keep her alive and forgive her for moving on without him? Can she ever bring herself to share with him what she went through after he left? Debra Webb can write a book that keeps you riveted to your seat. This is one of those books. It doesn't let the reader down. There is suspense and hair raising turns that will keep you reading until the end. Great book.
April 22, 2020
Witness protection widow by Debra Webb.
After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
A brilliant read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Ali and Jax were my favourite. I loved how he protected her. 5*.
After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
A brilliant read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Ali and Jax were my favourite. I loved how he protected her. 5*.
December 31, 2019
I received Witness Protection Widow from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my fair and honest review.
This is the fifth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series and as always Debra Webb doesn't disappoint. I read this book in one afternoon, this was a fast paced and action packed book. Although the book is part of a series it very easily can be read as a stand alone. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
This is the fifth book in the Winchester, Tennessee series and as always Debra Webb doesn't disappoint. I read this book in one afternoon, this was a fast paced and action packed book. Although the book is part of a series it very easily can be read as a stand alone. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
February 5, 2020
An excellent category romance, I read it in one sitting. The suspense pacing was excellent and Webb does a great job with the procedural aspects of the story. I enjoyed both characters and the second chance romance element.
December 10, 2019
this Book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I have enjoyed this series and I really like Debra Webb’s writing style. Waiting for more books to be published
April 22, 2020
Witness protection widow by Debra Webb.
After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
A brilliant read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Ali and Jax were my favourite. I loved how he protected her. 5*.
After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?
A brilliant read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Ali and Jax were my favourite. I loved how he protected her. 5*.
January 26, 2020
3.5
This definitely lived up to being a Harlequin Intrigue book! I loved the suspense and the constant moving around Jax and Ali had to do. I wish I liked Jax as much as I liked the action of the story. He was not a character that I connected to at all. Also the ending was so abrupt that I was left feeling let down.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This definitely lived up to being a Harlequin Intrigue book! I loved the suspense and the constant moving around Jax and Ali had to do. I wish I liked Jax as much as I liked the action of the story. He was not a character that I connected to at all. Also the ending was so abrupt that I was left feeling let down.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
January 28, 2020My Book Tour Excerpt is here.!
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